HomeBuilder Grant Announced - architects that are ready!
Federal Government announces HomeBuilder Grant as an economic response to the Coronavirus
What it means for architects?
Over the past two months, our local residential construction industry has actually been quite healthy - Here Studio projects have continued on, designs developed, planning permits submitted to and granted by Council, building permits issued on time by Building Surveyors, construction contracts signed with Builders on budget, and building work has started and continued on site with Contractors. We’ve been busy lately and humbly feeling good about what we offer, continuing to sign new projects and enjoying working with our valued clients. :)
Although only a couple of our projects have paused, one key concern we have had is that later in the year, things might get quiet – many of our recent leads for new renovation and extension projects said they have put things on hold due to economic uncertainty and enquires for architects for both new homes and residential renovations did dry up almost completely in March and April 2020 (May was much better). The worst case is that we might need to contract a bit later in the year – yet we appreciate that the broader economic impact of a slowed construction industry has bigger effects.
Given our practice is in a growth phase, we have been monitoring the health of our business very closely, and it has been good to see the numbers so far. We took quick moves to adapt our practice - and it looks like Here Studio will weather the storm of uncertainty, thanks also to Government support such as JobKeeper, Boosting cash flow for employers, and a quick response grant we received from the City of Melbourne supporting us to pivot to online – we are healthy.
Now to HomeBuilder Grant:
Great! Great! Great! This grant is excellent news for Here Studio in particular, as, unlike other architects, and typical draftspersons we are registered architects geared exactly to this sort of work.
HomeBuilder is a $25,000 tax-free grant to owner-occupiers.
The grant is for new homes and residential extension and renovation projects.
It is only for projects with a construction cost between $150,000 - $750,000.
It can be applied to a final total property value of less than $1,500,000.
Your income must be below $125,000 for individuals or $200,000 for couples.
If you are considering taking advantage of the HomeBuilder Grant to start your project, there are some good reasons to contact Here Studio:
+ Every single one of Here Studio's residential design projects has been below $750,000. We are experts at exactly this scale of architectural work – particularly for construction budgets between $150,000 to $500,000;
+ We’ve been specifically developing our capabilities for this budget scale of work since 2015 and our team is committed and passionate about providing these types of projects in an affordable, timely and professional service;
+ Our practice systems, software tools, research and design precedents, design methods, and quality assurance processes are well-honed to focus on delivering quality at this scale when it comes to residential projects;
+ We have an established network of specialist consultants – such as engineers, building surveyors, and suppliers – such as we have collected in our materials and finishes library, all geared and experienced at this scale of work;
+ We have a great passion and experience working with existing homes suited to this work, especially heritage buildings and heritage overlays, understanding ResCode, and intrinsically improving environmental sustainability – we love renovations, extensions and designs merging old and new (just check out our Pinterest boards);
+ We have a strong track record of achieving successful and timely planning permits, via good relationships and an up-to-date understanding of local Councils in Ballarat, Horsham, Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, and Regional Victoria – areas well suited to being under the total property value of $1,500,000; and
+ We have established working relationships with registered builders at this scale of work, in particular for homes in Ballarat, Horsham, Hepburn, and Macedon Ranges, who are willing to tender Here Studio projects and can deliver our projects on time and within budget.
Here are some fact sheets about the grant and eligibility:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/homebuilder
One important thing to note is timing!
Building contracts must be signed by 31 December 2020
Construction must begin 3 months after the contract
This means that because our projects at this scale typically take 6 months to get to contract signing, work needs to start now, and, be done properly: by professionals. It means we are about to be busy!
The senior members of our team have over 10 years of experience in architecture at this budget scale and we are willing and able to deliver.
Do get in touch with us at Here Studio to discuss your home building project, including timing and eligibility – we are only too keen to assist you, hear about your ideas, establish your concept and get your project moving!